Home   Stowmarket   Article

Subscribe Now

Homes at former Stowmarket Middle School site ready for families to move in next month




Families are set to move into their new town centre homes following the transformation of a former school site into 38 affordable properties.

After Stowmarket Middle School closed in 2015, Mid Suffolk District Council purchased the vacant site from the local education authority to provide housing for lower income households.

After years of development, the new homes in Walnut Tree Walk — consisting of six one-bedroom flats, eight two-bedroom flats, 13 two-bedroom houses, one two-bedroom bungalow, eight three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses — will be ready for tenants next month.

A drone shot of the former Stowmarket Middle School site. Picture: Steve Cave Drone Photography
A drone shot of the former Stowmarket Middle School site. Picture: Steve Cave Drone Photography
Council officers and representatives from Pentaco Construction, including Cllr Colin Lay, Arthur Charvonia, Cllr Richard Winch and Cllr Andrew Mellen. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council
Council officers and representatives from Pentaco Construction, including Cllr Colin Lay, Arthur Charvonia, Cllr Richard Winch and Cllr Andrew Mellen. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council

Cllr Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to breathe new life into this town centre site and the delivery of this stunning development in the town centre.

“This a major investment in the delivery of new homes and the sustainability of the town centre, supporting our residents and encouraging and developing thriving communities.”

The development was completed in partnership with Pentaco Construction Ltd with 14 of the 38 homes designated for affordable rent, where tenants pay below market rates, 10 for social rent and 14 for shared ownership — helping people get onto the property ladder.

Houses at Walnut Tree Walk. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council
Houses at Walnut Tree Walk. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council
Chris Buckingham and Cllr Richard Winch. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council
Chris Buckingham and Cllr Richard Winch. Picture: Lucy Taylor Photography/Mid Suffolk District Council

Cllr Winch, along with council representatives, picked up the keys from Pentaco Construction ahead of the 24 families set to move in next month.

Looking ahead, more council homes are planned for delivery in 2024/25, offering additional opportunities for tenants to move into new properties.

Over the past year, the council has also secured 45 new homes across Bramford, Debenham, Laxfield and Stowmarket through Section 106 agreements, ensuring affordable housing is integrated into private developments.

Laxfield – Denbury Homes Development: Five affordable rent, three shared ownership

Debenham – Denbury Homes Development: 14 affordable rent, five shared ownership

Bramford – Bellway Homes Development: 14 affordable rent, two shared ownership

Stowmarket – Bellway Homes Development: Two affordable rent